Mathilde Pinault was born into fashion. Her father is François-Henri Pinault, the chairman and CEO of Kering, one of the most influential luxury groups in the world and parent company to brands including Saint Laurent, Alexander McQueen and Gucci.
Her mum, Dorothée Lepère, is a well known French interior designer while her stepmum is Hollywood actress Salma Hayek.
Fashion and fame have therefore always been part of her life. But over the past few years, she has established herself as a fashion influencer in her own right … wearing the family designer brands, of course.
Beyond her fashion nous and wealth (her dad is worth an estimated US$39.6 billion according to Forbes), Mathilde makes headlines for her close relationship with her stepmother, Hayek. Together, they’re changing the traditional family narrative and owning the red carpet while they’re at it.
To really understand their connection, you need to delve into their relationship and their shared fashion wins.
People magazine reports Hayek, 56, and François-Henri, 60, started dating in 2006 and welcomed daughter Valentina in 2007. They got married in 2009 in a civil ceremony in Paris.
Speaking to Vanity Fair about her relationship with her stepmother, Mathilde, 22, said she owes a “great deal to Salma”. She described her as a “diva” but complimented the actress too, saying that “she has allowed me to understand how important it is to reduce doubts and fears by bringing them back to the reality of things, to the simplicity of everyday life”.
Mathilde told the publication that she calls Hayek regularly when things don’t go her way and the actress has the ability to “mute the volume of difficulties to make them obstacles to be tackled piece by piece”.
As a stepmum, Hayek has never hidden her pride for Mathilde. Back in 2022, the now-22-year-old represented France in an equestrian tournament. Hayek boasted about her skills, uploading a video with the caption “Congratulations, champ! We are so proud of you!” on her social media accounts.
Then, of course, their mutual love of fashion and support for the family business has united them, glam looks and all.
Here are five times they have impressed with their fashion A-game.
1. Saint Laurent show
Hayek and Mathilde were the talk of fashion lovers around the world after they attended the Saint Laurent autumn/winter 2023-24 show at Paris Fashion Week in February. Hayek wore a high-neck, fitted green gown from Saint Laurent. Underneath the sheer dress was a black bra, which she matched with a structured blazer.
Mathilde coordinated with her stepmum in a fitted stone-grey dress with a brown puffer jacket. She accessorised with a chain bag and white strappy heels.
Both Hayek and Mathilde went for smoky eyes, highlighted cheeks and pink lipstick.
2. Gucci show
It was a family affair for Hayek at Milan Fashion Week back in February as she brought her husband, stepdaughter Mathilde and daughter Valentina to the Gucci autumn/winter 2023-24 runway.
Hayek stole the show in a Gucci dress with gold beading to reflect the night sky. She complemented the look with a patent silver clutch and heeled sandals to complete her full Gucci ensemble.
Mathilde wore an all-black asymmetrical dress with knee-high boots. She added sunglasses as a final touch.
Meanwhile, Valentina wore a black leather tea-length skirt with a baby blue button-down shirt. She wore Gucci platform heels to finish off her businessy look.
3. House of Gucci UK premiere
Back in 2021, Mathilde accompanied her father and stepmum to the UK premiere of House of Gucci. All eyes were on Hayek and her show-stopping Gucci gold lame V-neck gown. She teamed the look with silver metallic platforms and gold jewellery.
Mathilde wore a bold animal-print dress. The vibrant form-fitting outfit flared out slightly at the bottom, and with its blues, oranges, browns and black colour pops; Mathilde certainly was a best-dressed candidate.
4. Balenciaga show
Paris Fashion Week in 2022 saw Hayek, Mathilde and Valentina leading the fashion pack as they attended the Balenciaga autumn/winter 2022 ready-to-wear show. Mathilde opted for a full acid wash denim ensemble with a crocodile Balenciaga bag.
Her stepsister Valentina also wore Balenciaga, opting for a miniskirt and tights with the luxury brand’s name printed on them. Stepmum Hayek wore a black skirt with lace detail, ankle boots, a black top and an oversized blue shirt that almost fell to her knees. She added a pair of shades and a black clutch to complete the look.
5. Their very first Instagram pic together
Although their relationship has gained attention over the past few years because of their red carpet appearances together, their close friendship goes way back. In an Instagram post shared by Hayek in 2016, the pair, along with personal coach and family friend Alexa Dol, are seen blowing kisses into the camera. Hayek wore a printed green top and straw hat while Mathilde wore a nude sleeveless dress. The picture is momentous as, according to E! Online, it was the first time Hayek posted an image of herself with Mathilde.
Note: This story was originally published on SCMP and has been republished on this website.
